As usual, it’s been a little while since I’ve updated. HOWEVER, this time, I’ve had a reason for not updating (other than the usual “I don’t really know what to write”). So, for the past two weeks, I’ve been taking a course here at my workplace with other like-minded individuals regarding the idea of creating and running transformational business. It was really such a great experience! The first week of the course was spent in a classroom setting, watching videos and discussing thoughts that the videos evoked. It was a good time to theoretically discuss the idea of holistic business, what this looks like, and how business can be used as a tool for good (or for bad). We watched some very moving videos, such as “Darwin’s Nightmare” (on how the fishing trade is ruining a city in Tanzania), and some videos on micro credit that highlight the wonderful things that basic business principles are doing in people’s lives. When I watched the video on micro credit, I kept getting so teary-eyed! I felt so moved by the revolutionary change that occurred in people’s lives through the simple use of a small loan–something so simple, yet so revolutionary is able to change the course of life for generations of people. This is the principle that has driven me to do what I’m doing: enabling people to have the skills that will lead them to live successfully. So exciting!
The second week of class consisted of a group project where we were charged with the task of creating a business plan for a transformational business. We were put in a group with three other people, and told to choose a location and a business to develop in that location. My group knew that I was already in an internship creating a business for China, so they wanted to create a plan for China (their logic was that there was already quite a bit of research done, so why not use it? Real business men through and through 
) SO, we chose China. We sat down and had a brainstorming session about business opportunities that we could forsee in China. After running through a few different options and their feasibility, my group (not me!) chose to develop a language program for our final presentation. This project was such a blessing for me! I have been praying for the last few weeks that the Lord would bring some other, like-minded people into my life that I would be able to bounce ideas off of for this project. I’ve had so many ideas, questions and concerns about how this business is shaping up, and it was just such a blessing to really have a group of people that I could “hash out” some of these concerns with. I found that to be such a great stepping stone to be able the bring this project to the next phase.
Lastly, one more exciting step in the journey has occurred! Last week, I spoke with a man who is located in Beijing. His job is to help people (like me and my colleagues) to set up language schools (like the one we’ve been planning) in China. His company helps to find a location, do a market feasibility study, helps us find a translator, teachers, and a building, etc. This really feels like such a great lead. This company in Beijing would be able to help us really get our feet on the ground with this program in China. How exciting! I am really anxious and excited to see how this program will play out.
Well, this has officially been a long post. Time to get back to the plan.
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